On 8 November, the WPEO Environment and Development Centre organised a two-day nature experience education programme at the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve, involving eight students and two staff members.
Participants visited the Gallery of Animals and Plants created by the Chinese Academy of Science in 1956. They learned about the general background of the reserve.
The group climbed the Dinghu Mountain to explore the central area of the reserve. During the climb, the group participated in different nature-observation activities, ranging from leaf collection and drawing to photography and intensive listening. Students stopped along the way to observe countless plants and animals, temples, and views.
"When we reached the highest point of the mountain we saw a waterfall. We were moved and could not say a word, amazed by the majestic waterfall," one participant said.
At night, students went on an adventure, attempting to observe fireflies and other insects. However, due to the cold weather most of the insects could not be seen. Fortunately, the team still could observe some interesting animals like the Ichthyophis bannanicus, a poorly circumscribed amphibian earthworm-shaped limbless creature.
Although this adventure required a lot of energy, participants felt it was more than worth it.
Reporters: Chen Zhaolong, Brian Christopher Hall
Photographers: Chen Zhaolong, Cai Xianhan, Ou Fengzhuang
(from WPEO’s Environment and Development Centre, with special thanks to the ELC)
